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Asbestos danger

Bill That Would Ban Asbestos Fails in House

Partisan politics are blamed for the House’s failure to pass a bill that would have amended the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to prohibit the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of asbestos or any mixture or article containing asbestos, according to The Hill.

A Look at Biden’s Energy Plan

One of the biggest differences in the 2020 presidential candidates is their plan to address climate change. Former Vice President Joe Biden’s energy and climate change plan is extensive. President Donald Trump has not proposed a formal climate change plan.

Coronavirus

AIHA Releases Expanded and Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

AIHA (formerly known as the American Industrial Hygiene Association) has expanded its collection of guidelines for businesses reopening during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The group also continues to update existing industry-specific guidance.

Plastic waste in ocean, marine debris

A Look at the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, a bill focused on the reduction of plastic waste and marine debris, was passed by the U.S. Senate earlier this year and was recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on October 1. As the legislation moves forward to most likely being signed into law, let’s take a […]

Air pollution, pollutants, smokestacks

Will Revised Cross-State Air Pollution Rule Extend Beyond Power Plants?

On October 15, 2020, the EPA proposed Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) revisions to reduce summertime nitrous oxides (NOx) emissions from upwind power plants in 12 states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Firefighter

NIOSH and NFPA Sign New Memorandum of Understanding

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and NFPA’s research affiliate, the Fire Protection Research Foundation, to cooperate on issues involving emergency responder personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE), including the development of standards concerning first responder safety, deployment, operations, and […]

COVID-19 testing

CDC Revises Definition of ‘Close Contact’ for COVID-19

On October 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated COVID-19 guidance, specifically the definition of “close contact.” The expanded definition states that the 15-minute exposure period should be measured based on a cumulative amount of time over 24 hours and not just a single 15-minute interaction.

Disinfectant cleaning

EPA Works Against COVID-19 Disinfectant Scams

Did you know that products to sanitize, disinfect, and sterilize surfaces are considered pesticides and are regulated by the EPA under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)?

Safety inspection, citations

OSHA and Target Reach Settlement, Agree to Six-Figure Penalty

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reached a settlement agreement with the Target Corporation, resolving several cases before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Target agreed to pay $464,750 in penalties to resolve a series of eight cases at the review commission.

Safety thumbs up

Tips for Making Safety Culture Week a Year-Round Event

As we wrap up our week of safety culture coverage and activities, it’s important to remember that an excellent culture requires continual effort. As Safety Culture Week draws to a close, here are some thoughts on how you can set the example and model a positive safety culture every day at your company.